Wayah Bald
{{Short description|Open area in North Carolina, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
File:Wayah Bald North Carolina, observation tower, eastern side.jpg
Wayah Bald is a high-altitude treeless open area in Nantahala National Forest, near Franklin, North Carolina. The Wayah Bald Observation Tower is located at the area's highest point (5,385 feet); the stone observation tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 for fire detection.[http://www.sherpaguides.com/north_carolina/mountains/nantahala_mountains/wayah_bald_area.html Sherpa Guides | North Carolina | Mountains | Wayah Bald Area]
The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross at Wayah Bald.
Wayah Bald is a popular destination for hikers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/travel/article44126580.html|title=Southeast Excursions: A great view from Wayah up high|last=McCullough|first=Gary|website=charlotteobserver|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}} especially during spring, when the rhododendron and azaleas are in bloom.
History
Wayah Bald received its name from the Cherokee natives. It was named "Waya", the Cherokee word for wolf, after the red wolves that once inhabited the area. Spear points found on the bald indicate that indigenous people used the area as hunting grounds more than eleven thousand years ago.{{cite web |url=http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/NaturalHeritage/NaturalTreasures/Mountains/wayahbald.html |title=Wayah Bald Visitors Information – Hot Springs, NC |website=www.blueridgeheritage.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206042246/http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/NaturalHeritage/NaturalTreasures/Mountains/wayahbald.html |archive-date=2007-02-06}}
Damage and repair
In 2009 and 2010, the Forest Service restored the north face of the tower using about $75,000. The tower's north wall was breaking down and the stones were removed and new concrete was used to repair the wall and reset the stones.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefranklinpress.com/articles/2009/07/31/news/11news.txt|title=Wayah Bald landmark to be restored|last=McRae|first=Barbara |date=31 July 2009|work=The Franklin Press|access-date=2009-08-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2016/12/13/whitewater-falls-area-destroyed-fire/95371032/|title=Fire destroys Whitewater Falls area, Wayah Tower|website=Citizen Times|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}
In 2016, the tower was damaged by wildfires, leaving only the stone base. After this, it was temporarily closed to the public and reopened in 2018. Effort was made to restore the wooden top of the tower as accurately as possible.{{Cite web|url=http://wlos.com/news/local/wayah-bald-fire-tower-nears-completion|title=Wayah Bald fire tower nears completion|last=Hodge|first=Rex|date=2018-01-25|website=WLOS|access-date=2019-06-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://wlos.com/news/local/community-effort-re-building-wayah-bald-tower-destroyed-by-wildfire|title=Community rallies to rebuild fire-ravaged Wayah Bald tower|last=Hodge|first=Rex|date=2017-11-17|website=WLOS|access-date=2019-06-28}}
Photos
Image:Wayah Bald Observation Tower.JPG|Observation tower at the top of Wayah Bald, late December 2007
File:Appalachian & Bartram Trail cross at Wayah Bald, NC.jpg|Trail markers where the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail meet
File:Rocks atop Wayah Bald, NC.jpg|Rocks atop Wayah Bald, just after sunrise
File:Wayah Bald, NC, view to the east before sunrise.jpg|View to the east just before sunrise
File:Bartram Trail sign, Wayah Bald, NC.jpg|Sign for the Baltram Trail
File:Sunsetoverwayah.jpg|Sunset over Wayah Bald
References
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{{coord|35|10|49.7|N|83|33|38.75|W|type:landmark_region:US|display=title}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline|Wayah Bald}}
{{Mountains of North Carolina}}
Category:Landmarks in North Carolina
Category:Nantahala National Forest
Category:Protected areas of Macon County, North Carolina